National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Year: 1989

Runtime: 97 min

Language: english

Director: Jeremiah S Chechik

Comedy

A well-meaning but hapless patriarch (Randy Quaid) and his frazzled clan (Miriam Flynn, Dana Barron) find themselves stranded on a tropical isle, struggling to stay afloat amidst chaos, misadventures, and the unpredictable forces of nature.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Trace every key event in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Clark's Christmas Dream

Clark Griswold is determined to create a memorable Christmas for his family, including his wife Ellen and their children, Audrey and Rusty. His enthusiasm sets the stage for a series of holiday mishaps that unfold throughout the movie.

2

Tree Hunting Adventure

Clark embarks on a picturesque journey into the countryside to find the perfect Christmas tree. He gets carried away and chooses the largest tree available, completely overlooking how to transport it back home.

Countryside
3

Mall Mishaps

While at the mall, Clark becomes infatuated with a beautiful cashier, which leads him to fabricate a series of elaborate lies to impress her. This not only puts him in awkward situations but also highlights the humor in holiday shopping.

Mall
4

Family Tensions

The arrival of both Clark's and Ellen's parents adds to the chaos, as they begin to bicker and clash, increasing the stress levels within the Griswold household. Despite the tension, Clark remains committed to making Christmas special for his family.

Griswold Household
5

The 25,000 Lights Disaster

In an ambitious attempt to light up the exterior of his home, Clark decorates with an impressive 25,000 twinkling lights. However, when they are activated, the lights cause a power outage that engulfs the entire neighborhood in darkness.

Griswold Home
6

Unexpected Family Guests

Clark's Christmas takes another turn as Ellen's cousin Eddie arrives unexpectedly with his lively children, Rocky and Ruby Sue. This adds a new layer of chaos, especially with Eddie's reliance on Clark's generosity.

Griswold Household
7

Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis Arrive

As festivities continue, Clark's quirky Aunt Bethany and Uncle Lewis join the celebration, intensifying the comic chaos of the holiday season. Their eccentric behavior brings a mix of humor and exasperation to Clark's efforts.

Griswold Household
8

The Christmas Bonus Anxiety

Clark anxiously awaits a promised Christmas bonus from his boss, Frank Shirley, which adds to his stress during the holiday preparations. This bonus represents hope and joy, but it quickly turns into a source of disappointment.

Griswold Household
9

Disastrous Christmas Eve Dinner

The Christmas Eve dinner is a disaster marked by several comedic mishaps, including Aunt Bethany's cat accidentally meeting its end. Uncle Lewis also adds to the chaos by incinerating the beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas Eve Griswold Household
10

The Unexpected Gift

Clark receives a package containing a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club instead of his anticipated Christmas bonus. This shocking revelation pushes Clark to a breaking point and fuels his subsequent frustrations.

Griswold Household
11

Clark's Frustration Leads to a Wild Encounter

In a moment of pure frustration, Clark voices his wish for his boss Frank to come and face him. Eddie misinterprets this, leading to an unexpected confrontation that eventually results in the reinstatement of the Christmas bonuses.

Griswold Household
12

The SWAT Team Arrives

As chaos escalates within the Griswold household, a SWAT team shows up in response to the escalating situation. Fortunately, Clark's boss, Frank, decides not to pursue charges, revealing a softer side after the tumultuous events.

Griswold Household
13

The Christmas Star Revelation

As the excitement reaches its peak, Clark explains to Rocky and Ruby Sue that what they believe is Santa Claus is actually the Christmas Star. This moment leads to a deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas amidst the madness.

Griswold Backyard
14

The Cigar Incident

The night takes an outrageous turn when a careless cigar spark ignites a decoration, causing a spectacular explosion that sends the Santa decoration soaring into the sky. This adds to the comedic legacy of Clark's holiday misadventures.

Griswold Yard
15

A Merry Christmas Conclusion

As the chaotic day draws to a close, Clark and Ellen share a heartfelt kiss, reflecting on the remarkable memories they've created. Despite all the madness, the family comes together, united in joy and love, showcasing the spirit of the holiday.

Griswold Household

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 10:38

Similar Movies to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Discover movies like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.